Turkey’s president announced Wednesday that the country will enter a three-month state of emergency effective immediately, after elements of the country’s military tried to orchestrate a coup late last week.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the move was meant to ensure citizens do not have “the slightest concern with regards to democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms.”
During a speech in Ankara Wednesday, the president referred to the law enforcement officers who died for his sake as “martyrs.” Erdogan also warned other nations from getting involved in or commenting on Turkey’s domestic affairs.
“This nation has the right to determine our own destiny,” Erdogan said.
President Obama issued a statement during the coup telling the Turks to support their democratically elected leader.
